2001-2002

Worcester, MA - March 13, 2002 - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
(WPI) has received a bequest of $6 million from the estate of Miriam
B. Rutman. The gift is the second largest from an individual in the
history of the University. The gift was announced by Chairman of the
Board of Trustees Ronald L. Zarrella at the winter meeting of the WPI
board.

"Miriam Rutman was a special lady. She had a marvelous mind, a
wonderful sense of humor and she cared deeply about WPI," said
Zarrella. "She continued to oversee the family printing business
almost to the time of her death. Combined with previous gifts, the
Rutmans' support totals over $8 million."

"Miriam and Walter Rutman made extraordinary gifts that have
advanced the mission of WPI," said John Heyl, vice president of
development and university relations at WPI. "Mrs. Rutman was a very
dedicated trustee and was very active in the life of WPI. She became
involved with WPI after her husband Walter's passing. He was a member
of the class of 1930 and received a degree in chemistry," explained
Heyl. "In 1983, the estate of Walter Rutman established the Walter
and Miriam B. Rutman Scholarship Fund, and in 1987, the Walter and
Miriam B. Rutman Distinguished Professorship in Chemistry was
created."

Walter Rutman never returned to his alma mater after graduating,
but his wife Miriam's association with WPI began after her husband's
death in 1982. In 1983, she visited the Worcester campus and attended
a ceremony at which a $1.5 million bequest from her husband was
announced. It was then the largest scholarship gift ever received by
WPI.

Miriam Rutman became a visionary force at WPI. She served on the
University's Board of Trustees for five years and never missed a
meeting.

After establishing the Rutman Scholarship Fund, she returned to WPI
each fall to meet with the Rutman scholarship recipients, and in the
spring, she returned to campus for commencement to personally
congratulate the scholars and their families.

She also kept in touch with many of the recipients after they
graduated, exchanging cards, letters and occasional visits. More than
100 WPI students have received Rutman Scholarships, and the legacy
will ensure that future generations of women and men will be able to
benefit from the Rutman's generosity to WPI.

Mrs. Rutman passed away in January of 2001. In her bequest to the
WPI, she placed no restrictions.

The Rutmans met in the mid 1930's after Walter had completed his
bachelor's degree in chemistry. Finding it difficult to gain
continual employment in the midst of the Great Depression, Walter, who
had been a newspaper correspondent as an undergraduate, purchased the
Rhode Island Herald with a partner. Under Walter's guidance, the
Herald (now the Rhode Island Jewish Herald) became profitable again.
Later he purchased the Herald Press which printed the newspaper and
several community papers. He turned it into one of the largest
printers in Rhode Island. After her husband's death, Miriam Rutman
took over their business interests and served as president of the
Herald Press. She also assumed responsibility for continuing her
husband's philanthropic legacies.

"Through her leadership, her generosity, her quick wit and her warm
personality, Miriam Rutman touched the lives of many members of the
greater WPI community," said WPI President, Edward A. Parrish. "She
left an indelible mark on this institution."

About WPI

WPI is a pioneer in technological higher education, and is
recognized as one of the leading outcomes-oriented undergraduate
programs preparing people for success in our technological world.
Since its founding in 1865, WPI has broadened and perfected an
influential curriculum that balances theory and practice.

This innovative and unique combination of educational methods,
learning environment and a worldwide network of project centers is
located in Worcester, Massachusetts, WPI supports the academic and
research pursuits of over 2,500 students and 200 faculty pursuing
opportunities to blend technological research and practice with
societal needs, delivering meaningful real-world benefits.

For over a century, WPI has awarded advanced degrees in the
sciences and engineering disciplines, as well as the management of
technology and business. Our alumni include Robert Goddard, the
father of modern rocketry; Harold Black, inventor of the principle of
negative-feedback; Carl Clark, inventor of the first practical airbag
safety system; Dean Kamen, inventor of the first wearable drug
infusion pump; and many others who contribute to the transformation of
our technological world.